Thornton Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 January 2023

Pupils in the school are happy and show positive attitudes to learning. Leaders have created a 'Golden Charter' and a list of 'Golden Learning Powers' to help pupils develop good learning habits. Pupils earn rewards for displaying these values. They celebrate them in a weekly assembly. Pupil ambassadors organise and run these assemblies. They do so with enthusiasm. Pupils are safe in this school and say they feel safe. They know about different types of bullying. They say that it does not happen here. They can use worry boxes to share any concerns they do have. They are confident that teachers will deal with things well. This small and growing school has a real family feel. Teachers and leaders know their pupils very well. They have high expectations for all. Pupils benefit from teaching that supports them individually. Leaders show a determination that pupils will leave the school ready for their next steps in education and beyond. Pupils learn about British values and diversity. The school runs a 'jobcentre'. Pupils can apply for a variety of different roles of responsibility within school, which they enjoy.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have rightly introduced a focus on improving pupils' writing. In English lessons, teachers help pupils to improve the quality and depth of writing. In foundation subjects, pupils do not always get chances to practise their writing outside English lessons. Teachers need to ensure that pupils have opportunities to develop their writing across the curriculum.
• In some foundation subjects, learning activities are too simplistic. Teachers focus on key knowledge and vocabulary but do not always provide pupils with opportunities to deepen their knowledge. Leaders need to ensure that curriculum planning helps pupils develop a broad understanding in all subjects.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)